Farmers Embark on New Digital Platforms

Jul 21 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

New platforms were launched to connect smallholder farmers with potential buyers and improve the distribution of agricultural inputs, ensuring efficient and transparent delivery of fertilisers, improved seeds, and chemicals. Dubbed the Automation of the Input Voucher System and the development and implementation of a Digital Market Linkage Platform, the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) partnered with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to avail the products. ATI has reached about four million smallholder farmers, delivered over 340 strategic studies, and implemented over 50 projects. Yihenew Zewde, AGRA's Country Director highlighted the importance of supporting the entire agricultural value chain. He said the E-voucher is an upgraded digital system that reaches 9.5 million smallholder farmers by cutting costs and removing middlemen. Nearly half a million quintals of fertiliser, improved seeds, and agrochemicals, were given to 242,000 farmers in Amhara Regional State while receiving 1.15 billion Br in input loans, according to him. They plan to reach 590 woredas across Oromia, Amhara, Tigray and Southern regional states.


Radar

State-Owned Enterprises Deliver, But Fund Seeks More from Underperformers

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the country's sovereign wealth fund, closed its annual performance review with a mix of strong gains and lingering concerns across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises. Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics led the year with 4.5 million tons of cargo, driving revenues up 90pc and doubling pre-tax profit. Sugar production from Wonji Shoa, Metehara, and Fincha climbed 34.8pc to 163,290 tons, nearly doubling revenues to 15.6 billion Br, though EIH flagged ch...


Radar

MIDROC Cocoa Drive, Local Production Focus on Value Addition

MIDROC Investment Group is placing a bold wager on cocoa in the lowlands of Sheka. Building on extensive trials at the Bebeka Coffee State Farm, the company has introduced globally prized Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo varieties alongside coffee. "The results are astonishing," said General Manager Beshada Worku, pointing to international prices that range from 8,200 to 14,000 dollars a ton. The project's first phase covers 50 hectares, with 44,000 seedlings already planted. Expansion to ...


Radar

Bureau Maps Out 1,700 Land Rights in a Month

The Rights Registration & Holding Service Directorate under the Bureau of Land Development & Administration prepared over 1,700 landholding certification maps in a single month. The update came during the bureau's July performance review, which measured progress against the upcoming fiscal year's targets. Director Tesfamichael Endale said efforts are being scaled up to give farmers secure land rights and quicker certification. Deputy Head WendwossenBanjaw added that the priority ahead...